Criteria

Quality criteria for accommodation

Vakinn's quality criteria for hotels are based on criteria published by Hotelstars Union, hotelstars.eu. Quality criteria for other categories of accommodation are based on Qualmark - New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality.

  • Following are the general and specific criteria for accommodation.
  • Prospective applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the applicable criteria prior to submitting applications.
  • To be certified accommodation or star rated hotel providers must fulfill the general criteria as well as the specific quality criteria applicable to the business.

The general quality criteria consists of four chapters:

  1. Information and facilities
  2. Management and human resources
  3. Safety and responsibility
  4. Environment

Open general quality criteria 

Specific quality criteria for each accommodation categories:


Operators seeking independent accreditation of their restaurant or catering facilities must fulfil the specific quality criteria for restaurants and cafés.

The general criteria consists of four chapters:

  1. Information and facilities
  2. Management and human resources
  3. Safety and responsibility
  4. Environment

 All participants must agree to operate according to Vakinn's code of ethics.

 Quality criteria for all categories of accommodation address the following factors:

  • Immediate environment and approach
  • Hygiene
  • Customer service
  • Facilities and equipment
  • Catering
  • Recreation/leisure activities
  • Company management
  • History and culture

Names of sections within each set of criteria may vary between accommodation categories. All criteria are however based on the same fundamental principle; to further professionalism by means of increased quality, safety and environmental awareness, regarding services and facilities for customers as well as company staff.

Please note: If an accommodation provider offers other services, such as recreation to visitors, this service must be assessed according to the appropriate specific criteria.

Example: Hóll travel service operates a guesthouse and a horse rental, the company must be assessed according to the quality criteria for guesthouses as well as quality criteria for horse rentals.